1. Introduction 2. The Nature of Public Policies 3. The Context for Policy Making: Central Institutions and Actors 4. Theoretical Approaches to Policy Making 5. Problem Definition and Agenda Setting 6. Decision-Making 7. Implementation 8. Evaluation 9. Governance: A Synoptic Perspective on Policy Making 10. Public Policies Beyond the Nation-State 11. Policy Change and Policy Convergence 12. Conclusions: Theoretical Insights and Practical Advice.
Offering a comprehensive introduction to public policy and the policy cycle, this textbook offers a practical guide to the topic and is underpinned by cutting-edge research.
Prof. Dr. Christoph Knill is Professor of Politics and Public Administration at the Geschwister Scholl Institute of Political Science at Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Germany. Prof. Dr. Jale Tosun is Professor of Political Science at the Institute of Political Science at Heidelberg University, Germany, and a co-director of the Heidelberg Center for the Environment.
Christoph Knill and Jale Tosun have provided an excellent update
and extension of their textbook on public policy. The first edition
provided an excellent introduction to the field for students, and
the new edition will be an even more valuable resource for
understanding contemporary public policy.
*B. Guy Peters, University of Pittsburgh, USA*
The first edition of Public Policy rapidly became a modern classic
in the field, a must-read for all those working on public policy,
whether students or established scholars. The epithets elegant,
concise, profound and clear easily attached themselves to the
well-written and useful book that stands head and shoulders above
all its competitors. It is very welcome indeed to have the second
edition that retains all the strengths of the first, but is fully
updated to reflect recent thinking and scholarship in public policy
as well as taking account of the profound changes in politics and
policy that have occurred in recent years. Christoph Knill and Jale
Tosun have pulled off a tremendous feat.
*Peter John, King’s College, London, UK*
This book is an outstanding introduction to studies of public
policy. It combines both traditional approaches with innovative
perspectives on the design and implementation of public policies.
It is the best text book for policy studies in Europe.
*Karin Ingold, University of Bern, Switzerland*
There is no better policy textbook with a global perspective than
Knill and Tosun’s. It combines the leading paradigms with
innovative insights in a well-written, comprehensive and
state-of-the-art account of the policy process. This volume belongs
in the personal library of any student, scholar and practitioner
who wants to master the essentials of public policy-making around
the world.
*Raymond Tatalovich, Loyola University Chicago, USA*
The radically updated second edition of Public Policy engages with
empirical developments, such as climate change, digitization and
the questioning of the global international order, that have a
path-changing significance for public policy. The authors
successfully integrate theoretical, analytical and methodological
advances in the book, which reflects that Jale Tosun and
Christopher Knill are leading scholars in the field. I strongly
recommend this book to scholars and educators of public policy and
related fields.
*Caroline de la Porte, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark*
In this fresh edition of their Public Policy textbook, Knill and
Tosun offer a comprehensive review of the theories that students
must master if they want to make a difference in the policy world.
This is the go-to resource book for all those who seek to formulate
workable solutions to complex societal problems.
*Arjen Boin, Leiden University, the Netherlands*
Knill and Tosun’s Public Policy has proved to be an excellent text
for introducing my students to fundamental ideas in public policy
and policy making. It structures theoretical content in a clear and
thoughtful way, and uses relevant real world examples to
demonstrate the complexities of policy making across national and
international contexts.
*Alex Mankoo, University of Sussex, UK*
Knill and Tosun have written a highly accessible and comprehensive
textbook that not only discusses traditional policy theories but
also highlights the importance of public-private governance and
policy-making beyond the state. This text forms an excellent
introduction for students and the new edition’s increased attention
to climate change in particular makes this book even more
indispensable than before.
*Stefan Renckens, University of Toronto, Canada*
Public Policy is a highly accessible book introducing public policy
through examples drawn from all over the world. The authors survey
and present a wide range of theoretical perspectives in a clear and
concise fashion. It is a tremendous introduction to public policy
and points the reader where to go next for detailed work on each
topic.
*Martin Hansen, Brunel University London, UK*
Public Policy continues to provide an excellent foundation in key
theories and debates regarding policy processes. This revised
edition not only reflects development in the fields of academic
debate but also political changes to provide an excellent
introduction for new students. The revised conclusion provides
useful practical guidance for students and practitioners alike.
*Lee Gregory, University of Birmingham, UK*
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